England

England player ratings vs Italy: Harry Kane makes history but Luke Shaw sent off in Three Lions victory

Charles Watts
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The Three Lions got their Euro 2024 campaign off to a dream start in Naples, thanks to goals from Harry Kane and Declan Rice

England held on amid a second-half Italian onslaught to claim a 2-1 win in Naples as they got their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign off to an excellent start.

Gareth Southgate's side were superb during the opening 45 minutes and took an early lead through Declan Rice before Harry Kane became his country's greatest-ever goalscorer when he fired home from the penalty spot for his 54th England strike, breaking Wayne Rooney's record in the process.

Jack Grealish wasted a glorious chance to make it 3-0 seconds before half-time and it almost proved to be a costly miss as Italy fought back well after the interval.

Mateo Retegui scored after a Harry Maguire mistake to reduce the deficit, but England held on amid intense pressure to claim three excellent points, with Luke Shaw having been sent off 10 minutes from time after being shown two yellow cards in quick succession.

GOAL rates England's players from the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

Editors' Picks

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence
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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Jordan Pickford (6/10):

    Looked nervy with the ball at his feet. Made a few risky clearances.

    Kyle Walker (7/10):

    Typically solid, even as the pressure increased in the second half.

    Harry Maguire (6/10):

    Awful error to gift Italy a way back into the game. Had enjoyed a good night up to that point.

    John Stones (8/10):

    Good in possession. Stayed calm amid the second half fightback.

    Luke Shaw (4/10):

    Produced a truly comical foul throw. Caught a bit flat-footed for the Italy goal and then stupidly picked up two yellow cards in quick succession to be sent off.

  2. Midfield
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    Midfield

    Declan Rice (8/10):

    Excellent performance, especially in the first half when he showed why he is so highly rated. Capped his display with a goal.

    Kalvin Phillips (7/10):

    Tired as the game went on. Looked very leggy after the interval, but stuck to his game well.

    Jude Bellingham (8/10):

    Had some great moments in the first half. Looked a class apart at times. Limped off injured.

  4. Attack
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    Attack

    Jack Grealish (5/10):

    Missed a sitter to make it 3-0. Not his best night.

    Harry Kane (8/10):

    Excellent centre-forward display on a night he became England's greatest goalscorer. Perfect penalty.

    Bukayo Saka (7/10):

    Worked very hard defensively. Couple of bright moments going forward, but kept largely quiet.

  5. Subs & Manager
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    Subs & Manager

    Phil Foden (N/A):

    Brought on in the second half and then replaced almost straight away following Shaw's red card.

    Kieran Trippier (5/10):

    Helped steady the ship in the last few minutes after England had lost Shaw.

    Reece James (N/A):

    Only introduced for the final five minutes.

    Conor Gallagher (6/10):

    Good late cameo. Brought much needed energy late on.

    Gareth Southgate (7/10):

    Great result in the end, but another second half when the game got away from his side.